In the Spotlight

Abstract:Making innovation part of organizational culture is a key to the long term success of the organization. Crucial to successful innovation are building awareness within the organization, setting expectations for innovation, leadership commitment to innovation, the creation of an innovation process, adequate human and financial resources, and leaders with the proper skills to manage innovation. Quality professionals can assist in a number of important ways. Quality leaders have the skills to sustain changes in organizational culture and coordinate cross-functional roles. They know how to track performance and prioritize objectives, and like innovation managers they are familiar with the goals and methods of management. Quality tools, customer-focused organizations, supplier management, and internal training are all well-established elements of the quality profession that innovation managers can take advantage …